Atrial fibrillation, or Afib, is among the most common types of heart disease. You might've heard your doctor talk about something called arrhythmia. That's the medical term for atrial fibrillation. The bottom line, Afib is when your heart beats unsteadily.
Leaving it untreated could increase your risk for other health complications. So, how can you tell whether you've developed atrial fibrillation?
Normally, your heart beats with a steady rhythm. Doctors measure its rhythm using an EKG machine. From time to time, hearts might start to beat out of rhythm. When that happens, we say that you've developed atrial fibrillation. Untreated Afib can increase your risk of heart failure or stroke. So, learning how to recognize the signs of Afib is highly important. That way, if something seems off, you can seek medical attention.
Signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation can vary. Some people might not even realize they've got the condition. However, in general, there are a few common signs to look out for. If you've got the following symptoms, it might be worth checking with a doctor.
Heart Palpitations:
Heart palpitations are the most serious sign of atrial fibrillation. From your perspective, it could feel like your heart is skipping beats. Or, you might feel like your heartbeat is racing frantically. Fluttering sensations are also common.
Feeling Fatigued:
Since your heart isn't beating normally, your blood isn't being pumped as efficiently. Have you felt a lot more tired than usual? That's another major sign of potential atrial fibrillation.
Dizziness or Poor Balance:
Whenever you stand up, do you get sudden bouts of dizziness? If so, you might've developed Afib. It's also common to have difficulties with balance or to feel lightheaded.
Pain in the Chest:
Chest pains are a common sign of several types of heart disease. If you've had chest pains lately, it could be a result of atrial fibrillation.
Shortness of Breath:
Does it suddenly seem a lot more difficult to breathe than usual? If so, your blood might not be delivering oxygen to your body efficiently. A lot of the time, that's due to Afib.
How do you get a diagnosis for Afib? Well, you'll have to speak with your doctor. Chances are, they'll want to run a few tests to measure your heart's electrical activity.
Common tests include EKGs or MRIs. Doctors might also want to measure your blood levels for various hormones. Depending on the results of these tests, you might be diagnosed with Afib.
Don't be surprised if your doctor orders a chest x-ray. These help them rule out the possibility of an issue with your lungs. Some lung diseases show similar symptoms to atrial fibrillation.
So, you've been diagnosed with Afib. What should you do now? Treating atrial fibrillation isn't all that difficult most of the time. Several treatment modalities are commonly used. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, certain treatments might be preferable.
Medications:
For mild to moderate symptoms, medications can usually provide sufficient relief. Usually, doctors will prescribe their patients several different pharmaceuticals. Blood thinners make it easier for the heart to pump blood. Beta-blockers might be useful to slow down your heart rate. Finally, some medications can help bring your heart back to its usual rhythm.
Electrocardio Inversions:
Mildly shocking the heart can often bring it back to normal. Sometimes, doctors sedate their patients and then shock them with special pads.
Pacemakers:
For more severe cases, pacemakers can make a huge difference. These devices are surgically inserted into patients' hearts. Then, they provide a subtle electric shock to set the heart's rhythm.
Heart Ablations:
Some cases of afib are the result of miscommunication within the heart. In that case, a heart ablation would be useful. Doctors make a small incision into the troubled area. Once the heart heals, the resulting scar tissue prevents any misfires.
Have you been worried about developing Afib? If so, there are some easy ways to reduce your risk of developing the condition. Preventative treatments reduce both the likelihood and potential severity of the condition.
Eliminate Smoking and Drinking:
Nicotine and alcohol consumption both increase your odds of developing atrial fibrillation. Limit your consumption of both to reduce your odds of developing Afib.
Eat a Healthier Diet:
Diets that are high in saturated fat can lead to more issues with heart health. Try eating more plant-based foods, instead.
Increase Your Cardiovascular Health:
Regular cardio exercise is great for your heart's health. Sedentary lifestyles are one of the biggest risk factors for atrial fibrillation.
Have you ever felt like your heart skipped a beat, in a bad way? If so, that could be a sign of Afib. Anyone who thinks they've got atrial fibrillation should see a doctor. They'll be able to tell you whether that's the issue.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.